Have you ever wondered what the signs are for language or communication problems? Or, maybe how to know if your child needs speech-language therapy? While every child and situation is different, there definitely are a few signs that you can look out for.

While these signs may not mean your child needs speech therapy, they may indicate that a consultation with a speech-language pathologist might be helpful. A speech-language assessment will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your child’s needs and therapy options.

It’s important to remember that when it comes to speech, language, and communication issues, urgency is a key factor. The sooner that difficulties are addressed, the better. Early intervention most definitely is key for the best possible outcome.

So, the big question – what should you look for? While there are many possible indicators of speech-language delays, some are more common than others.

These are 10 signs that your child may need help from a speech-language pathologist:

  1. Does your child stutter?
  2. Is your child two years old, but still using only single words to communicate?
  3. Does your child use fewer words than other children his or her age?
  4. Does your child have a diagnosis such as hearing loss or Autism Spectrum Disorder?
  5. Is your child not interested in talking?
  6. Does your child have difficulty pronouncing certain speech sounds?
  7. Does your child have difficulty swallowing or chewing?
  8. Is your child struggling with reading or writing?
  9. Does your child avoid eye contact?
  10. Does your child have difficulty understanding you?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, your child may have a speech-language challenge that requires immediate attention.

If you have questions or you’re unsure whether or not your child has a problem, contact our intake coordinator at 905-886-5941. You can also visit our website for more information.